Adjustable position steering

ABSTRACT

A position-adjustable steering control assembly for a personal watercraft includes a handlebar pivotally attached to a steering shaft which is operatively supported on the watercraft. The handlebar can be pivotally adjusted about a substantially horizontal axis which is normal to the axis of the steering shaft. The handlebar can be selectively locked into a plurality of angular positions within an angular range of more than 180 degrees, and the angular position of the steering axis of the handlebar will be unchanged regardless of the angular steering positions, which is advantageous, particularly when being used with a watercraft which accommodates more than one riding position of the driver.

THE FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a personal watercraft (PWC) and more particularly to a position-adjustable steering control assembly for a PWC, adaptable for more than one riding position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Jet powered watercraft have become very popular in recent years for recreational use and for use as transportation in coastal communities. The jet power offers high performance, which improves acceleration, handling and shallow water operation.

There are at least two different types of personal watercraft (PWC) that are configured for different driving and riding styles and preferences. For example, a stand-up type of PWC is typically configured with a deck having a platform. In this configuration, a driver stands on the platform while driving the PWC. Unlike other types of PWC, the stand-up type is not equipped with a seat on which the driver can sit. The steering handlebar on a stand-up type of PWC is configured to be adjustable so that drivers of different heights can comfortably steer the watercraft from a standing position.

In contrast, a straddle-type PWC is configured with a deck that supports a straddle-type seat. The driver sits on the top of the seat and places his/her feet on opposite sides of the seat. The steering handlebar of a straddle-type PWC is typically configured to be fixed in a pre-determined position at a pre-determined angle.

A PWC adapted for more than one riding position is a single PWC which can be converted between a stand-up type watercraft and at least one of a straddle-type watercraft and a sit-down type watercraft, an example of which is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/427,911 assigned to the assignee of this application. In a PWC adapted for more than one riding position, a steering device such as handlebars is disposed at the end of a steering support assembly which is pivotally supported by the deck of the PWC. Thus, the position of the steering device can be adjusted relative to the deck or the seat assembly of the PWC when the steering support assembly pivots, in order to meet the needs for different riding positions.

It is also desirable that the steering device, such as a handlebar, is also adjustable relative to a steering shaft which is rotatably supported by the steering support assembly and which can be rotated by the handlebar, in order to provide more comfortable steering positions for a driver.

Mechanisms used for coupling a handlebar to a steering shaft or column are well known in the art. Conventionally, a lower or base steering column is rotatably supported by a support structure of the PWC and is coupled my means of a universal joint to an upper steering column which is rotatable about its own axis. A handlebar is affixed to the upper end of the upper steering column to rotate the upper column for steering the PWC. The upper steering column can be pivotally adjusted with respect to the lower or base steering column such that the handlebar is enabled to tilt in different angular positions for steering. Examples of the tilt steering used in PWC are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,055,922, issued to Madachi et al. on May 2, 2000, U.S. Pat. No. 6,202,584, issued to Madachi et al. on Mar. 20, 2001 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,291, issued to Lapointe et al. on Aug. 21, 2001.

In a conventional, adjustable steering column, an angular position of the steering axis of the handlebar is changed when the handlebar is adjusted between different angular positions which can cause discomfort to the driver of the PWC. Another disadvantage of the conventional, adjustable steering column lies in its very limited angular range of adjustment which is limited by the universal joint. Therefore, alternative mechanisms are desirable to provide a position-adjustable steering assembly for a PWC which can be adjusted within a greater angular range while maintaining the angular position of the steering axis of the handlebar when the steering handlebar is adjusted between different angular steering positions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of the present invention is to provide a position-adjustable steering control assembly for a personal watercraft which provides an angular adjustment range of more than 180 degrees.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a position-adjustable steering control assembly for a PWC which keeps the angular position of the steering axis unchanged when a steering device such as a handlebar, is angularly adjusted between different steering positions.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a personal watercraft adapted for more than one riding position with a position-adjustable steering control assembly.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a position-adjustable steering control assembly for a PWC comprises a steering shaft and a steering member. The steering shaft is operatively attached to the PWC and is rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof. The steering shaft is adapted to be coupled to a steering mechanism configured to effect steering of the PWC. The steering member is attached to an end of the steering shaft, and is adapted to be gripped and manipulated by a driver of the PWC in order to rotate the steering shaft for steering of the PWC. The steering member is pivotal within an angular range of more than 180 degrees with respect to the steering shaft, about a substantially horizontal axis which is substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the steering shaft, and is adapted to be selectively locked in one of a plurality of angular positions within the angular range.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a PWC adapted for more than one riding position. The PWC comprises a hull, a deck supported by the hull, a power source supported by the hull, and a steering mechanism configured to effect steering of the watercraft. A steering shaft is operatively attached to the PWC, and is rotatable about the longitudinal axis thereof. The steering shaft is adapted to be coupled to the steering mechanism. A steering member is attached to an end of the steering shaft, and is adapted to be gripped and manipulated by a driver of the PWC in order to rotate the steering shaft for steering the PWC. The steering member is pivotal with respect to the steering shaft, about a substantially horizontal axis which is substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the steering shaft, and is selectively positioned in one of a plurality of angular positions within an angular range. The steering member pivots about the longitudinal axis of the steering shaft during a steering action regardless of the selected angular position thereof.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood with reference to the preferred embodiments described hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus generally described the nature of the present invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, showing by way of illustration the preferred embodiments thereof, in which:

FIG. 1 is a portside view of a personal watercraft incorporating a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial portside view of a personal watercraft in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing a steering handlebar adjusted in a forward position;

FIG. 3 is a partial portside view of a personal watercraft of FIG. 2, showing the steering handlebar adjusted in a center position;

FIG. 4 is a partial portside view of a personal watercraft of FIG. 2, showing the steering handlebar adjusted in a rearward position;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial top and side front perspective view of a position-adjustable steering control assembly for a personal watercraft in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, showing the handlebar adjusted in a rearward position;

FIG. 6 is a rear, top and side perspective view of a position-adjustable steering control assembly of FIG. 5 showing the handlebar adjusted in a forward position;

FIG. 7 is a front, top and side perspective view of a position-adjustable steering control assembly for a personal watercraft in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, showing the handlebar adjusted in a center position;

FIG. 8 is a partial rear and top perspective view of FIG. 4, showing the steering handlebar with attached throttle and start/stop button in its rearward position; and

FIG. 9 is a partial rear and top and perspective view of a personal watercraft of FIG. 2, showing the steering handlebar with attached throttle and start/stop button in its forward position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1, a personal watercraft is generally shown at numeral 10 (hereinafter PWC 10). The PWC 10 is configured to allow a stand-up type of riding. The PWC 10 is made of two main parts, including a hull 12 and deck 14. The hull 12 buoyantly supports the PWC 10 in a body of water and is typically molded from fiberglass material, and is partially lined internally with buoyant foam material. The hull 12 is shaped to include a bow B, a stern S with a port side P and starboard side D (hidden in FIG. 1). The deck 14 compliments the hull and is also typically molded from fiberglass material. The hull 12 and the deck 14 are sealed together at bond line 16. The space between the hull 12 and the deck 14 forms a cavity that accommodates an engine 18 and other components such as, but not exclusively, a gas tank, an electrical system (battery, electronic control unit, etc.) and other elements required or desirable in the PWC 10. The engine 18, as the power source of the PWC, is preferably a two-stroke or a four-stroke engine.

A jet propulsion system (not shown) is also supported by the hull 12 and is operatively connected to the engine 18 in order to propel the PWC 10.

An engine cover 22 is generally positioned above the engine 18 and is openable so as to allow access to the engine 18. A standing surface 23 of the deck 14 is positioned between the engine cover 22 and the stern S of the PWC 10. The standing surface 23 is sized to accommodate a driver in a standing or kneeling position while riding the PWC 10. The PWC 10 is also convertible to accommodate straddle or sit-down types of riding, in which a straddle seat assembly 32 or a bucket seat assembly (not shown) is provided (see FIGS. 2-4).

A steering support assembly 20 is provided on the deck 14 to support a steering control assembly 24. The steering support assembly 20 includes a pair of pivotal front support poles 25 which pivot about a horizontal axis at a front attachment point 28 on the deck 14 the front support poles 25 can be formed with a pair of pipes or tubes, each pivoting at a separate but aligned point on the deck 14. The steering support assembly 20 is preferably configured to include a steering control device support 30 at the upper end thereof, which in turn supports the steering control assembly 24.

Referring to FIGS. 2-4 in which the PWC 10 is converted for a straddle-type riding and is provided with a straddle-type seat assembly 32, the steering control assembly 24 typically includes a steering member such as a handlebar 34 attached to a steering shaft 26 which is operatively connected to a pivotable nozzle (not shown) at the discharge end of the propulsion unit (not shown). As the handlebar 34 is manipulated by a driver of the PWC 10, the steering shaft 26 rotates, thereby turning the nozzle. As is commonly known, this causes thrust created by the propulsion system to be redirected, which causes the PWC 10 to turn.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the handlebar 34 is pivotal within an angular range R of more than 180 degrees, with respect to the steering shaft 26, about a substantially horizontal axis 36 (see FIGS. 5-7) which is substantially normal to the longitudinal axis 38 of the steering shaft 26. The handlebar 34 is adapted to be selectively'locked into one of a plurality of angular positioned within that angular range R. For example, the handlebar 34 can be pivoted forwards and locked in a forward position as shown in FIG. 2, or can be locked in a center position as shown in FIG. 3, in which the handlebar 34 is upright and substantially in the direction of the axis 38 of the steering shaft 26, or can be pivoted rearwards and locked in a rearward position as shown in FIG. 4. In this embodiment, the handlebar 34 has a pivoting radius of 3 inches, and therefore a maximum 6 inch pivotal adjustment of the handlebar 34 can be achieved.

One embodiment of the steering control assembly 24 is illustrated in FIGS. 2-6. A sleeve member 40 is affixed to the steering control device support 30 and rotatably receives the steering shaft 26 therethrough. Mounting brackets (not indicated) are attached to the sleeve 40 for mounting the sleeve 40 to the steering control device support 30 and for mounting other components thereto. A plate 42 is affixed to an upper end of the steering shaft 26 and is therefore rotatable together with the steering shaft 26. A pair of sleeve members 44 are disposed in a spaced-part relationship, and are affixed to the top surface of the plate 42 by, for example, welding or bolting, in order to rotatably support a middle portion 46 of the handlebar 34. The handlebar 34 is curved such that the opposed end portions 48 (only one shown in FIG. 6) are offset from the axis of the middle portion 46. The axis of the middle portion 46 of the handlebar 34 forms the substantially horizontal axis 36. The opposed end portions 48 of the handlebar 34 are preferably substantially parallel to the middle portion 46. The distance between the horizontal axis of the opposed end portions 48 and the horizontal axis 36 of the middle portion 46 forms the pivoting adjustment radius of the handlebar 34. The handlebar 34 is preferably made of tubular material.

The sleeve members 44 are each formed with a lower portion and an upper portion (both not indicated) which are assembled together by, for example, screws 49. The upper portion of each sleeve member 44 preferably includes a guide member 50 having an elongate opening 52 extending radially with respect to the horizontal axis 36.

A positioning member 54 surrounding the middle portion 46 of the handlebar 34 is disposed between the two sleeve members 44. The positioning member 54 preferably includes a sleeve body 56 surrounding the middle portion 46 of the handlebar 34 and is adapted to rotate together with the middle portion 46 about the substantially horizontal axis 36 by means of, for example, keys or screws (not shown). Two flanges 58 are fixed to the respective opposed ends of the sleeve body 56. A plurality of radial recesses 60 are provided in the respective flanges 58 in an axially aligned relationship. The radial recesses 60 are reinforced by body elements 62 which define the axially extended inner surfaces (not indicated) of the respective radial recesses 60. The angular positions of the radial recesses 60 with respect to the end portions 48 of the handlebar 34, determine the plurality of selected angular positions of the handlebar 34. In order to provide the forward, center and rearward positions of the handlebar 34, as shown in FIGS. 2-4, or other positions not shown, the radial recesses 60 are distributed along the circumference of the flanges 58 in such a manner that a pair of radial recesses 60 of the respective flanges 58 are aligned with the pair of elongate openings 52 when the handlebar 34 is positioned in each of the forward, center and rearward positions, or other selected positions. A lock pin 64 operatively supported by the guide members 50, is moveable with the opposed ends thereof guided within the respective elongate openings 52. The lock pin 64 is movable between a first position engaging a selected one of the radial recesses 60 to lock the handlebar 34 in this selected angular position, and a second position disengaging from any of the radial recesses 60 to permit free pivoting of the handlebar 34 about the substantially horizontal axis 36.

It is preferable to provide a trigger mechanism 66 having a receiver 68 disposed between the two flanges 58 of the positioning member 54. The receiver 68 operatively attached to the middle portion of the lock pin 64. At least one trigger 70 is connected to the receiver 68 and the trigger mechanism 66 is operatively attached to the plate 42 such that the receiver 68 moves the lock pin 64 along the elongate openings 52 between the first and second positions when the trigger 70 is actuated, for example, by pressing or pulling, depending on the mechanism coupling the trigger 70 and the receiver 68. This is a design choice and will not be further described herein. It is preferable to have the lock pin 64 normally urged into the engaging position by means of, for example, springs, or by use of a cam mechanism to lock the lock pin 64 into the engaging position. Thus, the lock pin 64 will not accidentally disengage from the positioning member 54.

It is optional to include a second trigger 72 in the trigger mechanism 66. The second trigger 72 is preferably disposed in a rear side of the steering control assembly 24, opposite to the trigger 70, but coupled thereto, thus additional convenience is provided to the driver when the driver is operating the PWC and wishes to adjust the steering position.

The positioning member 54 is preferably formed with an upper portion (not indicated) as shown in FIG. 5, and a lower portion (not indicated) as shown in FIG. 6, so that the positioning member 54 can be conveniently attached to the middle portion 46 of the handlebar 34. The upper portion of the positioning member 54 preferably includes all radial recesses 60 in order to determine the angular range which should be greater than 180 degrees, and therefore the lower portion of the positioning member 54 is preferably formed with a substantially flat bottom having mounting holes with enlarged recesses 55 for receiving mounting screws to fasten the upper and lower portions together.

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of the steering control assembly indicated by numeral 24 a, in accordance with the present invention. In comparison to FIGS. 5 and 6, similar components which are indicated by similar numerals will not be redundantly described herein. The difference between the steering control assemblies 24 a of FIGS. 7 and 24 of FIGS. 5 and 6 is that the positioning member 54 of FIG. 5 is replaced by a drum 54 a of FIG. 7, which is affixed to the middle portion 46 of the handlebar 34 to rotate together therewith. The drum 54 a includes a plurality of parallel axial grooves 60 a in a circumferentially spaced apart relationship, extending substantially parallel to the substantially horizontal axis 36. A trigger member 70 a is pivotally attached at its middle portion to the plate 42 by means of a pair of braces 74 (only one shown) which are affixed to the plate 42, for example, by welding. The trigger member 70 a has a convergent upper end 64 a which is adapted to extend into one of the axial grooves 60 a for engagement therewith, thereby locking the handlebar 34 into a selected position when the trigger member 70 a is urged to pivot in a clockwise direction by, for example, a torsion coil spring (not shown). When the trigger member 70 a is pressed to pivot in a counter-clockwise direction, the upper end 64 a of the trigger member 70 a is withdrawn from engagement with the groove 60 a, thereby permitting the handlebar 34 to freely pivot about the substantially horizontal axis 36. Optionally, the trigger member 70 a can be coupled with a release button (not shown) located remotely from the drum 54 a, such that the trigger member 70 a can be released by actuating the remote release button.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a further embodiment of the present invention in which components similar to those previously described are indicated by similar numerals, and will not be redundantly described herein. The PWC 10 according to this embodiment further includes a throttle control handle 76 pivotally attached to the handlebar 34, for example, at the right end portion 48. The pivotable throttle control handle 76 is coupled to the engine of the PWC 10 by means of a cable (not indicated) for engine control. It is desirable to attach the throttle control handle 76 to the forward side of the handlebar 34 when the handlebar 34 is pivoted rearwards and locked in its rearward position, as shown in FIG. 8. In such an arrangement, the throttle control handle 76 can be conveniently actuated by the driver's fingers when the driver is generally in a standing or kneeling riding position and grips the handlebar 34 to control the PWC 10.

In a seated or straddle riding position, the handlebar 34 of the steering control assembly 24 is preferably pivoted forwardly and locked into its forward position, as shown in FIG. 9. When the handlebar 34 is in its forward position, the throttle control handle 76 is located at the rear side of the handlebar 34 because the throttle control handle 76 rotates together with the righthand end portion 48 of the handlebar 34 about its axis, about 180 degrees, when the handlebar 34 is pivoted about the substantially horizontal axis 36, from its rearward position to its forward position. The driver can conveniently actuate the throttle control handle 76 using his/her righthand thumb while maintaining a grip on the handlebar 34.

A start/stop button 78 is attached to the handlebar 34, for example, at the lefthand end portion 48 thereof, and is coupled to the engine by means of a cable (not indicated) for controlling the start and stop of the engine. Unlike the throttle control handle 76, the start/stop button 78 is only actuated at the beginning and the end of riding and does not require continuous actuation during the riding of the PWC 10. Therefore the position of the start/stop button 78 on the handlebar 34 is less critical, in contrast to the position of the throttle control handle 76. For the convenience of operation, the start/stop button is preferably attached to the rear side of the handlebar 34 when the handlebar 34 is in its rearward position, as shown in FIG. 8. Thus, the start/stop button 78 can be conveniently actuated by the driver's left thumb. This thumb-actuating position allows the driver to maintain a firm grip on the lefthand end portion 48 of the handlebar 34, while using his/her right hand to grip the righthand end portion 48 of the handlebar 34, and still being able to use his/her right hand fingers to continuously actuate the throttle control handle 76.

The start/stop button 78 is positioned at the forward side of the handlebar 34 when the handlebar 34 is pivoted forwards and locked in its forward position, as shown in FIG. 9. Thus, the start/stop button 78 becomes a finger-actuated button. Nevertheless, the start/stop button 78 does not require continuous actuation during the operation of the PWC 10 such that the driver is able to maintain a firm grip on the handlebar 34 with both hands, which is desirable especially when the driver is in the standing or kneeling riding positions.

The position-adjustable steering control assembly 24 of the present invention is describe in the above embodiments with reference to a personal watercraft adapted for multiple riding positions. However the position-adjustable steering control assembly of the present invention can be applicable to any type of personal watercraft. Furthermore, the position-adjustable steering control assembly of the present invention can be advantageously adjusted in a relatively broad range of positions without the use of any tools.

Modifications and improvements to the above-described embodiments of the present invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art. The foregoing description is intended to be exemplary rather than limiting. The scope of the present invention is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims. 

1. (Cancelled)
 2. The personal watercraft as claimed in claim 8 wherein the steering member comprises a handlebar rotatably mounted on the steering axis at a middle portion thereof, an axis of the middle portion forming the adjustment axis, and opposed end portions of the handlebar thereby being selectively positioned among the limited number of predetermined angular positions when the handlebar pivots about the adjustment axis.
 3. The personal watercraft as claimed in claim 2 further comprising a positioning element and a locking element, the positioning element being affixed to the middle portion of the handlebar in order to rotate together therewith about the adjustment axis, the positioning element including a plurality of radial recesses in a circumferentially spaced relationship, the locking element being operatively attached to the end of the steering shaft and being moveable between a first position to engage a selected one of the radial recesses in the positioning element and a second position to disengage the positioning element.
 4. The personal watercraft as claimed in claim 3 wherein the steering shaft comprises a plate affixed to the end thereof to rotate together therewith, and a pair of spaced-apart sleeve members affixed to the plate, the middle portion of the handlebar being rotatably supported by the sleeve members and the positioning element being disposed between the sleeve members.
 5. The personal watercraft as claimed in claim 4 wherein the locking element comprises a locking pin operatively supported at opposed ends thereof by a pair of guiding members in order to allow the lock pin to move between the first and second positions.
 6. The personal watercraft as claimed in claim 5 wherein the guiding members are attached to the respective sleeve members.
 7. The personal watercraft as claimed in claim 6 wherein the locking element comprises a trigger mechanism coupled with the locking pin, the trigger mechanism moves the locking pin between the first and second positions when the trigger mechanism is actuated.
 8. A personal watercraft adapted for more than one riding position, comprising: a hull; a deck supported by the hull; a power source supported by the hull; a jet propulsion unit supported by the hull, including an inlet for taking in water, an impeller assembly for generating a pressurized stream of water, an outlet for discharging the pressurized stream of water, and a movable element positioned at the outlet for selectively directing the pressurized stream of water, wherein the movable element is operatively connected to a steering member and directs the pressurized stream of water based on signals from the steering member; and the steering member disposed on the deck of the watercraft and operatively connected to the movable element of the jet propulsion unit for steering the watercraft, the steering mechanism rotatable about a steering axis and pivotable about an adjustment axis the adjustment axis being substantially normal to the steering axis, such that the steering mechanism is selectively positionable in one of a limited number of predetermined angular positions.
 9. The personal watercraft as claimed in claim 8 further comprising a throttle lever disposed on the steering mechanism so as to be actuatable by a user of the watercraft irrespective of in which of the predetermined angular position the steering mechanism is positioned.
 10. The personal watercraft as claimed in claim 8 further comprising a stop button disposed on the steering mechanism so as to be actuatable by a user of the watercraft irrespective of in which of the predetermined angular position the steering mechanism is positioned. 11-15. (Cancelled)
 16. The personal watercraft as claimed in claim 9 wherein when the steering mechanism is positioned in at least a first one of the predetermined angular position, the throttle lever is disposed so as to be thumb-actuated and when the steering mechanism is positioned in at least a second one of the predetermined angular positions, the throttle lever is disposed so as to be finger actuated. 